Packing list for the mountains

Packing for the mountains is about bringing the right things. Whether you are planning a mountain vacation, a ski trip, or a day trip in a winter environment, your stay will be easier when you have thought through your packing in advance.

Here you will find a practical packing list for a winter mountain stay. It is suitable both for those who want to keep track of what to bring to the mountains and for those who want to avoid forgetting things that make a big difference once you are there.

Start with the basics

When you pack for the mountains, it’s smart to start from a few simple needs: warm clothes, dry changes of clothes, things you need during the day, and the practical items that make your stay easier. That makes it easier to pack just enough and bring the most important things.

Clothes to Pack

It’s a good idea to pack clothes that work for winter weather and that can be layered depending on activity and temperature. Be sure to focus extra on dry changes of clothes and garments that are comfortable to change into after a day outside.

Good to bring:

• base layers

• wool socks or wool-blend socks

• fleece, wool sweater, or another warm sweater

• ski jacket or winter jacket

• ski pants or other durable outer pants

• hat

• buff or scarf

• mittens or gloves, preferably an extra pair

• regular change of clothes

• sleepwear

• indoor shoes or slippers

For more advice on how to dress warmly and practically on the slopes, you can read Dress Right on the Slopes.

Pack in Two Sizes

It is often smart to pack in two sizes: one large bag to stay at the accommodation and a smaller backpack or bag for the things you need on the slopes during the day. That makes it easier to stay organized, and you won’t have to carry more than necessary.

The smaller bag is also nice to have close at hand during the trip. That way you won’t have to stop and open the large bag in the trunk just to get headphones, a power bank, tissues, or something else you need right then.

Practical things that are often forgotten

It’s often not the big things that cause problems, but the little things that you only notice when they’re missing. That’s why it’s a good idea to think through the practical details before you leave.

Good to bring to the mountains:

• helmet if you’re going skiing

• ski goggles or sunglasses

• sunscreen and lip balm

• backpack for the day

• water bottle or thermos

• headlamp

• charger and power bank

• toiletries

• medications

• band-aids or a basic first aid kit

• bags for wet clothes

• short straps or thick rubber bands

Short straps or thick rubber bands are surprisingly useful when you need to carry or pack skis and poles. With them, you can keep the gear together in a smart way so the skis don’t slip away and the poles don’t spread out in every direction.

If you’re going skiing but don’t have your own equipment, it’s easy to arrange on site through ski rental.

Bring Something to Eat and Drink

During a day on the slopes, it’s good to have something simple to eat and drink close at hand. It makes breaks easier and helps keep your energy up throughout the day.

Be sure to bring:

• water

• hot drink in a thermos

• fruit

• nuts

• energy bars

• sandwiches or a simple packed lunch

If you’re going to take it with you on the slopes while you’re skiing, it’s a good idea to choose an unbreakable steel thermos. If you fall, there is less risk that it will break.

If the children start to get tired and hungry, it’s good to have something small in your pocket to pull out to keep their spirits up. Dry mittens or a spare set of clothes can also save the rest of the day.

Practical Things for the Accommodation

The accommodation at Idre Himmelfjäll is self-catering, which means that certain things are not included in the accommodation. To make your stay as smooth as possible, you need to bring:

Remember to bring:

• Bedding & towels (this can be booked as an add-on) 

• Toilet paper

• Spices

• Soap 

• Dishwasher tablet

• Laundry detergent (some accommodations are equipped with a washing machine)

More good things to have:

• swimwear if you want to use the sauna or go swimming

• slippers or indoor shoes

• bags for laundry or wet clothes

• chargers for all devices

Quick checklist to tick off

Here is the packing list in short form, with things that are good to double-check before departure:

Clothing

• base layers

• extra socks

• warm sweater

• jacket

• pants for winter weather

• hat

• mittens

• change of clothes

• sleepwear

• indoor shoes

Equipment

• helmet

• goggles or sunglasses

• sunscreen

• backpack

• thermos or water bottle

• charger

• power bank

• headlamp

Personal items

• toiletry bag

• medications

• band-aids

• ID

• phone

• wallet

For the accommodation

• snacks

• breakfast items

• swimwear

• bags for wet clothes

Adapt your packing to the trip

How the packing list looks, of course, depends on what you’re going to do and how long you’ll be away. But the basics are usually the same: warm clothes, dry changes of clothes, things you need during the day, and a few practical items that make the stay easier.

For those of you traveling for the first time, it may also be a good idea to read Tips for your first mountain trip.

Pack smart and make the start easier

When the essentials are included from the start, it becomes easier to arrive, settle in, and start enjoying yourself right away. A good packing list not only makes the trip smoother. It also gives you more time for what you actually came to the mountains for.

Save the list, review it at your own pace, and adapt it based on the weather, trip length, and activities.